The Strategy and Defense Policy course has finished after three weeks of intense academic activities in Washington, DC and three previous weeks of distance learning via Blackboard.  The awarding of diplomas was carried out by the Director of the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies as well as General (ret.) Barry McCaffrey acting as the guest speaker. The class was made up of 75 participants from 18 countries and was notable for the participation of 24 women.  The academic program, in addition to the participation of the Center’s faculty, was supported by lectures from civilian and military officials from throughout government, including the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Dr. Frank Mora, who spoke about Department of Defense policy towards Latin America, as well as the President of National Defense University, Vice Admiral Ann E. Rondeau, who spoke to the students about women in the armed forces. In addition to the normal lectures and discussions the students were able to augment the academic program by attending a presentation by the Colombian Minister of Defense, Rodrigo Rivera Salazar, as well as the launch of Admiral James Stavridis’ book Partnership for the Americas.